49ers are the first NFL team to create a “It gets better” video

49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh talks about the courage of his players constantly. The 49ers organization proved it is plenty courageous by becoming the first NFL team to produce an “It gets better” video.

The “It Gets better” video series directs LGBT teens to get help if they are getting bullied because of their sexual orientation. Videos from famous actors, politicians, artists and athletes tell bullying victims that it gets better and they direct them to help lines. The celebrities also inform audiences about the evils of bullying.

Sean Chapin a life-long San Francisco 49ers fan, implored the team to create “It Gets Better” video and also started an on-line petition through Change.org to get it done. Sixteen thousand fans signed onto the petition to encourage the 49ers to shoot the video.

The team responded with defensive lineman Ricky Jean Francois, linebacker Ahmad Brooks and safety Donte Whitner appearing in the one-minute spot that is available on YouTube.

“With their ‘It Gets Better’ video, the 49ers are shining a golden beacon of hope to LGBT youth, and as a gay man, I enthusiastically applaud their courage and leadership,” Chapin said in a news release.

According to academics who study gender issues, football players can be the most resistant athletes to acceptance of homosexuality, although recent studies indicate that attitudes are changing. The 49ers involvement in the “It Gets Better” project could also help change perceptions.

In the video, Whitner is the main spokesman and he says, “The San Francisco 49ers are proud to join ItGetsBetter.org, to let all LGBT teens know that it gets better. On behalf of the entire 49ers organization, we are on your side, and we promise it gets better.”

Those who are experiencing harassment or are thinking of suicide can contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK or the Trevor Project Lifeline at 1-866-438-1386.